Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Two members of the Mugodhi Apostolic Faith Church (MAFC) lost their lives on Saturday after falling on rocks while fleeing from suspected armed robbers at a prayer mountain in Mazowe.
The deceased have been identified as Prosper Katiyo (29) and Leoba Mabonzo (27), both from Chasauka Village in Mutoko.
Mashonaland Central provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Milton Mundembe, confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway. He said:
I can confirm a sudden death case in Mazowe where two people died while running away from machete-wielding robbers who pounced on them in Mazowe, where they were conducting their prayers.
Circumstances are that the congregants were praying on the night of June 28 when they were ambushed by a group of unknown machete-wielding robbers.
The attackers reportedly demanded money and mobile phones, prompting some of the worshippers to flee in panic.
Tragically, hours later, the lifeless bodies of two congregants were discovered, presumed to have fallen while trying to escape.
A report was filed at Mazowe Police Station, and a manhunt has since been launched to track down the suspects.
Police have also urged members of the public to avoid conducting prayers in hazardous areas such as mountain cliffs. Said Mundembe:
We urge members of the public to hold prayer sessions in safe environments, as opposed to rough terrain like mountain cliffs, where the possibility of dangerous reptiles is obvious.
Similarly, we condemn unruly elements who attack worshippers. The long arm of the law will catch up with these rogue elements.
We are appealing for valuable information about the identity of the culprits.
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
